Chronic respiratory diseases

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About Chronic Respiratory Diseases Programme

Aim

The aim of the WHO Chronic Respiratory Diseases Programme is to support Member States in their efforts to reduce the toll of morbidity, disability and premature mortality related to chronic respiratory diseases, specifically asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Programme objectives

Better surveillance to map the magnitude of chronic respiratory diseases and analyse their determinants with particular reference to poor and disadvantaged populations, and to monitor future trends.

Primary prevention to reduce the level of exposure of individuals and populations to common risk factors, particularly tobacco, poor nutrition, frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood, and environmental air pollution (indoor, outdoor, and occupational).

Secondary and tertiary prevention to strengthen health care for people with chronic respiratory diseases by identifying cost-effective interventions, upgrading standards and accessibility of care at different levels of the health care system.